Sometimes our families send us mixed messages, and those messages can be hard to understand. When I was growing up, my family always said I could be anything I wanted to be, but they also said girls couldn’t be police officers or firefighters. I couldn’t figure out which one was the truth or why I was told conflicting things — and then I learned about feminism.
Feminism teaches girls that we can pursue whatever careers we choose — whether an Olympic athlete like MIchelle Kwan, a Supreme Court Justice like Sonia Sotomayor, or a fashion designer like Eileen Fisher—and helps empower us to accomplish our goals. Feminism teaches people that boys and girls should be treated as equals, and that girls and boys should be encouraged to pursue their dreams, regardless of what those dreams are or whether we are male or female.
Being a girl is tough, and you probably hear a lot of mean remarks about your being weaker than or not as smart as boys. When you hear these kinds of things, it’s hard not to be discouraged, but you can use it as motivation to prove the naysayers wrong. Oprah didn’t become a successful talk show host and businesswoman because she remained silent. If a girl has something to say, she should be encouraged to speak her mind.
My family is made up of good people, and they know that I am just as smart, strong, and capable as any boy. Feminism helped me to believe in myself and fighting for what I deserve. I didn’t end up as a firefighter, but I do carry an inner flame.
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